5 Ways Minnesota Timberwolves have evolved into the best team in the West

How the Minnesota Timberwolves have emerged as the best team in the Western Conference.
Philadelphia 76ers v Minnesota Timberwolves
Philadelphia 76ers v Minnesota Timberwolves / David Berding/GettyImages
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The Minnesota Timberwolves have surprisingly been the best team in the Western Conference.

Two seasons ago, the Minnesota Timberwolves were ridiculed for their over-the-top celebration after the 2022 play-in tournament. Then, in the 2023 playoffs, the Wolves looked like an afterthought once more when they got knocked out by the eventual-champion Denver Nuggets in just five games.

Eight months after that gentleman's sweep, Minnesota is perched atop the Western Conference like a fearsome hound howling at the full moon. Who's laughing now?

Nearly a quarter of the way into the 2023-24 season, the Timberwolves have emerged as a legitimate powerhouse in the West. Despite the fact that stacked teams like Denver and Phoenix have imposed their might early on, Minnesota has nevertheless emerged as a strong playoff contender. Boasting a 14-4 record after their first 18 games, Anthony Edwards and the rest of the pack have had plenty of reason to smile ear-to-ear.

How exactly have the Wolves pulled this off? Five aspects of their game command the NBA's attention.